20 Interesting Facts About Punjab

Located in the northwest region of India, Punjab is known for its unique culture and tradition. Being the ancient center of the settlement in the Indian Subcontinent, Punjab is the place where the first civilization of South Asia flourished around 2500 BC. Due to its geographical location, Punjab has been plundered and ruled by many invaders from South Asia. After the fall of Mughal Empire, Sikh influence emerged and dominated the region. The state is famous for Punjabi cuisine, agriculture, festivals, gurudwaras, Punjabi folk dances, etc. Before being enchanted by this place, let us know some interesting facts about the land of five rivers: Punjab.

Image: Pexels

1. Named After Five Rivers

Sutlej River flowing through Ropar Dam, Punjab

The word Punjab is made from two Persian words; ‘Panj’ means five and ‘aab’ means water. Five major rivers flow through the state: Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab and Jehlum.Source: britannica.com, Image: Wikimedia

2. Not Only In India But Also In Pakistan

Punjab Map of Pakistan in red

Before the partition of India in 1947, Punjab was the large state in British India. After Partition, Punjab divided into two regions; Indian Punjab and Pakistani Punjab.Source: Wikipedia, Image: Wikimedia

3. Cradle Of Civilization

The great bath of Mohenjo Daro

In the Indian and Pakistani Punjab, the Indus Valley Civilization flourished which is considered one of the ancient civilizations. The civilization flourished around the Indus river system.Source: ancient.eu, Image: countercurrents.org

4. Partition Of Indian Punjab

The modern Indian Punjab came into existence on 31 October 1966 when Himachal Pradesh and Haryana were carved out.Source: quickgs.com

5. Sikhism Was Founded Here

In the late 15th century, Guru Nanak Dev laid the foundation of Sikhism in Punjab. Punjab is the largest state of the Sikh population.Source: bbc.co.uk, Image: Pixabay

6. The Center Of Sikh Empire

Statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh

In 1799, under the leadership of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Sikh Empire was formed. It was a secular empire based in Punjab. It lasted until 1849.Source: indiatoday.in, Image: Flickr

7. 20th Largest In India

The area of Punjab is 50,362 sq. km. It is the 20th largest state in India as per area. Its population is about 27 million; 16th largest state as per population in the country.Source: Wikipedia

8. Place Of The Holiest Sikh Shrine

Golden Temple

In the city of Amritsar, the Golden Temple or Shri Harmandir Sahib is located which is considered the holiest and most important pilgrimage site of Sikhism. The temple was designed by the fifth Guru Arjan Dev. The Gold was installed above the Gurudwara by Raja Ranjit Singh.Source: goldentempleamritsar.org, Image: Pixabay

9. State Of Three Takht

Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar, Punjab

There are five Takht (meaning Seat of Authority) in Sikhism. Out of five, three are in Punjab; Akal Takht in the Golden Temple Complex, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib in Bhatinda, and Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib. Two other are Takht Sri Patna Sahib in Patna, Bihar and Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, Maharashtra.Source: sikhtourism.com, Image: sikhsiyasat.net

10. State Of Famous Folk Dances

Punjab is very famous for its folk dances such as Bhangra, Gidddha, Jhumar, Mirza, Jugni, Dhamaal, Gatka, etc.Source: sikhiwiki.org, GIF: gifer.com

11. Granary Of India

Wheat Production in Punjab

Several Rivers are flowing through the state which make Punjab very fertile. Punjab is also called the Granary of India or Bread Basket of India. It produces 17% of India’s total wheat production, and 11% of India’s rice (Data, according to the 2013 report). Agriculture is the largest industry of the state and about 84% of the land is under cultivation.Source: quickgs.com, Image: Wikimedia

12. Punjab Shares Its Capital With Haryana

Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh

The capital of Punjab and Haryana is Chandigarh which is a Union territory. There is also one common High Court for both states which is known as Punjab and Haryana High Court, situated in the capital city of Chandigarh.Source: britannica.com, Image: Wikimedia

13. Not Much Forested

Northern GoshawkBlack Buck

The land of Punjab is not much forested. Only 1772 sq. km area is forested. Local animals and birds are found in Punjab; buffalos, horses, fruit bat, wild boar, wildcat, hog deer, flying fox, mongoose, squirrel, etc. A few rivers are notorious to have dangerous species of crocodiles. Baaz (northern goshawk) is the state bird while blackbuck is the state animal.Source: Wikipedia, Images: Wikimedia

14. Martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh

Jallianwala Bagh Memorial

Jallianwala Bagh is situated in Amritsar, the largest city of Punjab. On 13 April 1919, Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place here under the command of Colonel Reginald Dyer in which more than 1500 people died and several got injured.Source: holidify.com, Image: mouthshut.com

15. Border With Pakistan

Indian and Pakistan guards on the border

When the partition of India took place in 1947, Punjab was divided into two parts; Indian Punjab and Pakistani Punjab. Indian Punjab shares its border with the Pakistani Punjab. The Border is about 425 km in length. Every year, the Wagah-Attari border ceremony is held on 14 and 15 December during the Independence day of Pakistan and India respectively. Attari is a village in the district of Amritsar, India, and Wagah is a village in the district of Lahore, Pakistan.Source: bbc.com, Image: Wikimedia

16. Demand For Khalistan

Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale

In the 1970s and 1980s, the Khalistan movement or the Sikh Separatist movement reached its prominence. However, Operation Blue Star was conducted by the Indian Army to stop the movement in which many Sikh militants were killed and prisoned. Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale was held accountable for the launching the Sikh militancy during the 1980s. This operation led the assassination of the then Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi.Source: britannica.com, Image: sikhnet.com

17. State Of Legends

Gurudas MaanAkshay Kumar

The soil of Punjab has given birth to many legends in every field. In Punjab, people have the enthusiasm to be a singer, actor, athlete, etc. Some legends are Gurdas Maan (Singer), Babbu Maan (Singer), Akshay Kumar (Actor), Balbir Singh Sr. (Hockey Player), Kapil Sharma (Comedian), Udham Singh (Hockey Player), Zail Singh (7th President of India), etc.Source: Wikipedia, Image: bbc.co.uk, Image: Wikimedia

18. Popular Meal Around The World

Paratha with ButterLassi

Punjabis are known for their hospitality. They serve their guest their original tasty food which is very popular in the world. The popular Punjabi dishes are Chicken Tikka, Paratha with Butter, Tandoori Chicken, Amritsari Kulcha, Makke ki roti (Bread of Maize), and Sarson ka Saag (Vegetable of Mustard greens). In beverage, they include very famous ‘Lassi.’Source: culturalindia.net, Image: seriouseats.com, Image: Wikimedia

19. Punjabi Diaspora

The Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara for Delta-Surrey in BC, Canada

Punjabis are the major ethnic group in Canada, Australia, Germany, United Kingdom, New Zealand, United States, France, Italy, Spain, Dubai, etc. In Canada, they are about 2% of the total population of Canada.Source: 12.statcan.gc.ca, Image: Wikimedia

20. State Of Festivals

Vaishakhi festival of Punjab

Punjabis celebrate their festival enthusiastically. They have a number of festivals including Vaisakhi (Celebrated after harvesting the wheat crop), Lohdi (Celebrated in January), Holi, Maghi, Teej, etc.Source: sikhiwiki.org, Image: Wikimedia